Relation between the distribution of fuel types and forest fires in Austria

The altering climate patterns contribute to variations in precipitation, temperature and overall ecosystem conditions, influencing the composition and combustibility of forest fuels in the alpine regions. Changes in vegetation patterns, with shifts in species distribution and the prevalence of dry, flammable materials, increases the risk through wildfires. Rising temperatures and prolonged periods of drought enhance the likelihood of ignition and intensify fire behavior. Thus, this research aims to carry out a comprehensive vegetation analysis to characterize the different fuel types in Austria and to provide the scientific basis for developing a detailed forest fuel map, considering various types of vegetation, topography and land cover. We use statistical models to predict fuel characteristics based on vegetation type and empirical data collected during field surveys in the recent years. The spatial distribution of fuel types will be related to an analysis of the location of historical fire data for the time period 2001-2023. A statistical analysis is done to identify clusters, patterns, and relationships for different fuel types. This integrated methodology not only enriches our understanding of the complex interconnection between vegetation fire ignition and behavior, but also provides the scientific basis for developing targeted strategies in forest fire management and improving prevention measures in Austria.